Is there a restriction on the distance of the ball from body?

March 29, 2013 By Sal Guerriero

There is no ASA restriction on the distance that the ball can be from the body on release. But we can run into some issues here. In this picture below, the ball is about a foot away from the body. However, the ball is actually inside the wrist (palm is facing the body), elbow locked and is 100% legal in 10-Man. Focus on the ball in relation to the hand.The image below is 100% legal because the palm is clearly facing the body.

However, in my experience the following set of images gives umpires fits. The arm is angled away from the body on release. But the palm is NOT palm facing away from the body? Therefore the ball is NOT outside the wrist and is 100% legal. Notice that the pitcher never goes above a 90 degree (hip-shoulder-ball), the elbow is locked on release and the hips and shoulders square, smooth follow through. A thing of beauty.

Another issue that is occurring is that some pitchers hold the ball off center. This gives the appearance that the ball is outside the wrist (technically it is). But the palm never faces away from the body. So it is 100% legal.

About Sal Guerriero

I started pitching “Medium” pitch softball, or what the ASA calls 10 Man Modified, on Staten Island, NY in the New York City Park League as a teenager back in the 60’s. I have now been pitching for 50 years and still have a passion for the game.
When it comes to the pitching rules there are very few others that have my experience. I have been used at Umpire clinics, clarified the Pa. ASA pitching rules, and presented to the National ASA Modified Committee on several occasions.
My goal is to preserve and promote the traditional style of Softball regardless if it is ASA or not. If you have a League or Tournament (strict 10 Man pitching rules as described here) you want displayed on this site, let me know and I will add it. Read more about this site...